As Christmas approaches, those of us who follow Jesus often hear at least once during the season, “Keep the main thing, the main thing.” This means that even though the world turns Christmas into a very materialistic, almost secular holiday, Christ followers need to keep our main focus on the fact that Jesus is God’s greatest gift and the true meaning of Christmas.
I try to do this by spending more time than usual in prayer and Bible study. I even make sure that I remind my children that Christmas is about Jesus, not just the gifts that we are going to unwrap on Christmas Day. I have a couple of books that I read to them about the nativity story and that the decorations and other traditions that come with Christmas are ok, but that they should not drown out the fact that we are celebrating the miracle of Jesus coming to earth to save us from sin.
Last weekend in the sermon, Pastor Brian used an analogy that I thought is so very perfect to keep in mind at Christmas time. He talked about how he is not into video games, but that his son is and so on his son’s birthday, that’s what his party revolved around. Next, he said that we should do the things Jesus enjoys on/around His birthday in order to honor Him. This has stuck with me all week and has really helped me to remember the true meaning and focus of Christmas.
Doing things Jesus enjoys would include spending time with friends and family. It can mean inviting unbelievers to church for a Christmas Eve service or to your home for Christmas Eve or Christmas. Serving others…your neighbors, co-workers or those who are less fortunate, is a great way to honor the Lord at this time of year.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
May the true joy of Christmas fill your heart this season.
Blessings,
Melissa
If there are other things you do during the Christmas season to honor Jesus, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
A good word Melissa.
Good perspective.
Sometimes I fear I am more concerned about my kids…and not concerned enough about revolving my life around Jesus.
I really appreciate that people from our church reach out to people in need, like buying presents for the Angel Tree ministry or when they visit people who work on Christmas Eve and take them goodies and God’s love. They rock!